Extendable stand pipe

ABSTRACT

The disclosure teaches an adjustable/extendable piping system/module for associating fluid access products (such as fire hydrants) to a buried fluid source. The piping system defines an adjustable configuration that allows for the overall length of the piping system to be modified to compensate for different bury depths. The disclosure further teaches a flex module configured for associating a fluid product with a piping system connected to a fluid source. The flex module is configured to flex a predefined amount to prevent damage to the system from low energy impacts.

CLAIM TO PRIORITY

This application claims priority to provisional application 62/343,886,filed on 1 Jul. 2016, and is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/422,380, filed on 1 Feb. 2017, wherein such references areincorporated by this reference for all that they disclose for allpurposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to the field of adjustable piping systems withflex joint module features for associating fluid products such as firehydrants to a fluid source.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fluid delivery systems frequently provide access ports to allow a fluidconsumer access to a fluid supplied. One such fluid delivery system is awater delivery system provided by utilities across the US. One type ofaccess port provided by such systems is a fire hydrant. As is wellknown, fire hydrants (sometimes called “fire plugs”) provide a source ofwater in most areas with municipal water service. The concept of “fireplugs” dates to at least the 1600s and during such era firefightersresponding to a call would dig down to the water mains and hastily borea hole to secure water to fight fires. When no longer needed, such holeswere then plugged with stoppers. Thus, the “fire plug” was born; acolloquial term still used for fire hydrants today.

Modern fire hydrant systems typically provide the following components:(a) a connection generally comprising a valve (“boot”) to the mains(“mains” is the main fluid source), (b) a stand pipe in fluidcommunication with the boot, (c) a hydrant body connected to the standpipe wherein the hydrant body defines an output port, (d) a cap orbonnet mechanically connected to the upper end of the hydrant body, and(e) an operating nut connected to a rod connected to the boot valve andconfigured to open and close such valve to allow or prevent water toflow from the main fluid source, to the hydrant body's output port.

It should be noted that at least a portion of the stand pipe isunderground. Further, the burry depth of water mains to which firehydrants connect vary from one installation site to another requiringsome way of adjusting the length of the stand pipe element so that oneend of the hydrant body is at or near ground level. Today's method ofcompensating for different burry depths is to use expensive stand pipeextensions. What is needed is a better and more cost-effective way tocompensate for different burry depths.

Another issue with fire hydrants is damage due to being hit by objectssuch as vehicles. We have all seen movie scenes where a vehicle runsinto a fire hydrant and water comes shooting out of the fire hydrant wayup into the air. Such a failure can be caused by even relatively minorcollisions with a “wet barrel” fire hydrant causing extensive andexpensive damage to the fire hydrant system. What is needed is anapparatus and method that allows for a more flexible fire hydrant systemthat is designed with relatively inexpensive components that yield/pivotat low energy impacts and break at high energy impacts to limit damageto the remainder of the system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some of the objects and advantages of the invention will now be setforth in the following description, while other objects and advantagesof the invention may be obvious from the description or may be learnedthrough practice of the invention.

Broadly speaking, a principle object of the present invention is toprovide an apparatus and method of associating an access product (suchas a fire hydrant) to a buried fluid source wherein such apparatus andmethod are configured to compensate for variations in fluid source burydepths.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a flexible modulefor connecting an access product (such as a fire hydrant) to a pipeassociated with a fluid source wherein said flexible module isconfigured to move/flex/pivot when subjected to low impact forces tominimize damage to the access product and fluid delivery system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a fire hydrantwith an adjustable body element that provides a range of adjustment tocompensate for about 3.5 feet to at least 5.5 feet of variation in burrydepth.

Additional objects and advantages of the present invention are set forthin the detailed description herein or will be apparent to those skilledin the art upon reviewing the detailed description. Also, it should befurther appreciated that modifications and variations to thespecifically illustrated, referenced, and discussed steps, or featureshereof may be practiced in various uses and embodiments of thisinvention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, by virtueof the present reference thereto. Such variations may include, but arenot limited to, substitution of equivalent steps, referenced ordiscussed, and the functional, operational, or positional reversal ofvarious features, steps, parts, or the like. Still further, it is to beunderstood that different embodiments, as well as different presentlypreferred embodiments, of this invention may include variouscombinations or configurations of presently disclosed features orelements, or their equivalents (including combinations of features orparts or configurations thereof not expressly shown in the figures orstated in the detailed description).

Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the featuresand aspects of such embodiments, and others, upon review of theremainder of the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling description of the present subject matter, includingthe best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, isset forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures, in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a typical prior art fire hydrantinstallation;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of one exemplary embodiment of a firehydrant system according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2b depicts one exemplary embodiment of a ball joint with internalcoil spring;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view with a partial cut away section of afire hydrant system according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of one exemplary embodiment of a flexmodule;

FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view with a partial cut awaysection of the flex module presented in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 depicts the flex module of FIG. 5 associate with a fire hydrant;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the flex module depicted in FIG. 4 with outputangle adjustment elements;

FIG. 7B is a side view of a flex module where the ball joint has beenreplaced with an expansion joint;

FIG. 8 is a front side view of an alternative embodiment of anadjustable stand pipe module;

FIG. 9 is a front side perspective view of two adjustable stand pipemodules showing different adjustment positions;

FIG. 10 is a front side perspective view of two adjustable stand pipemodules comprising a first restraint element defining a telescopingassociation with a second restraint element; and

FIG. 11 is a front side perspective view of an adjustable stand pipemodule comprising an alternative embodiment of a first restraint elementassociated a second restraint element with a mechanical joint (sealingelement 78) disposed there between.

Repeat use of reference characters throughout the present specificationand appended drawings is intended to represent the same or analogousfeatures or elements of the present technology.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Detailed Description

Reference now will be made in detail to the embodiments of theinvention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment can be used on another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, andaspects of the present invention are disclosed in or may be determinedfrom the following detailed description. Repeat use of referencecharacters is intended to represent same or analogous features, elementsor steps. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the artthat the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodimentsonly and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the presentinvention.

Construction Aids

For the purposes of this document two or more items are “mechanicallyassociated” by bringing them together or into relationship with eachother in any number of ways including a direct or indirect physical“releasable connections” (snaps, screws, Velcro®, bolts, etc.—generallyconnections designed to be easily and frequently released andreconnected), “hard-connections” (welds, glue, rivets, macular bonds,generally connections that one does not anticipate disconnecting veryoften if at all—connections that are “broken” to separate), and/or“moveable connections” (rotating, pivoting, oscillating, etc.).

For the purposes of this document, unless otherwise stated, the phrase“at least one of A, B, and C” means there is at least one of A, or atleast one of B, or at least one of C or any combination thereof (not oneof A, and one of B, and one of C). As used herein, the terms “first,”“second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish onecomponent from another and are not intended to signify location orimportance of the individual components unless specifically statedotherwise.

This document includes headers that are used for place markers only.Such headers are not meant to affect the construction of this document,do not in any way relate to the meaning of this document nor should suchheaders be used for such purposes.

While the particulars of the invention and associated technology may bedescribed for use with fire hydrants, the invention may be adapted foruse with any type of product associated with a fluid delivery system.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a prior art fire hydrant installation (8) ispresented. For a typical prior art system, the fire hydrant defines ahydrant barrel mechanically associated with a top called a bonnet. Thebarrel also defines an output port where a user gains access to thefluid inside the barrel. The fire hydrant further defines an input portmechanically associated with one end of a standpipe via a breakawayflange. The breakaway flange is typically positioned to 6 inches abovethe ground level and the fire hydrant output is typically positionedalong the barrel so that it is 15 to 21 inches above ground level. Thestand pipe extends through a support medium (such as dirt) so that oneend of the standpipe is connected to a coupler or “boot” that isconnected to a water source “mains” (generally 6 feet below groundlevel). For a typical installation, a valve is disposed within thecoupler/boot. Such valve is connected to the turn on nut buy a rod thatextends from the turn on nut, through the hydrant barrel, through thestandpipe to the valve.

Most fire hydrants are “dry” in that there is no water in the stand pipeor hydrant when not in use (turn on nut in off position) as water weepsout of the system just above the valve in the boot via a plug drain.While the prior art system (8) does include a breakaway flange, when thebarrel is struck by an object (such as a car), even at lowspeeds/forces, the hydrant system can still incur significant damagebefore such breakaway flange fails. Additionally, the distance from thewater source “mains” is not always six feet which often requires standpipes of different lengths. Embodiments of the disclosed inventionsaddress such issues.

Referring now to FIG. 2, presented is a hydrant system (10) configuredfor connecting to a buried fluid source (6, FIG. 1) according to oneexemplary embodiment of the present invention. Exemplary hydrant system(10) comprises a telescoping stand pipe module (40) comprising a firststand pipe element (42) defining a first stand pipe module end thatdefines stand pipe module output (44) and an opposing second stand pipeelement (46) defining an opposing second stand pipe module end thatdefines stand pipe module input (48). For the current configuration, thefirst stand pipe element (42) defines an inner diameter that is biggerthan the outer diameter of the second stand pipe element (46) so thatthe second stand pipe element (46) may be inserted into (or slide into)the first stand pipe element (42) thereby defining a telescopingfunction/configuration.

The stand pipe elements may be unthreaded where the second stand pipeelement (46) simply slides in and out of the first stand pipe element(42) as needed to change its overall length. For the currently preferredconfiguration, however, the stand pipes are at least partially threadedand the length of the stand pipe module (40) can be changed by applyinga force to stand pipe arms (50) in a first direction to lengthen standpipe module (40) and applying a force in a second and oppositiondirection to shorten stand pipe module (40). Preferably the stand pipemodule (40) provides for a range of adjustments of about 3 feet. Forexample, an appropriately configured stand pipe module would beadjustable from about 4 feet to about 7 feet in overall length. Thatsaid, adjustment ranges of about 50% fall within the scope and spirit ofthe invention. For example, if the typically system length is 6 feet, asystem according to the present invention could be varied from about 3feet to about 9 feet (50% shorter and 50% longer than 6 feet). For oneembodiment, the adjustment is from 3.5 feet to 5.5 feet. Suchfunctionality will be examined in more detail below. One of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that such a configuration isparticularly well suited for providing adjustable hydrant systems thatare to be coupled to fluid sources buried at different depths.

The stand pipe module (40) is configured to extend through a supportmedium (e.g. dirt) to a fluid source coupler (24) in fluid communicationwith a fluid source (6, FIG. 1) where the second stand pipe module end(48) is mechanically association with the fluid source coupler (24)thereby placing the stand pipe module (40) in fluid communication withsuch fluid source.

Still referring to FIG. 2, for one embodiment, the hydrant system (10)further comprises a flex module (30) defining a flex module input (32)and a flex module output (34). The flex module output (34) ismechanically associated with an access product (12) via coupling system(26) thereby connecting the access product (12) to a fluid source mains(6) via the stand pipe module (40). Any number of products can beassociated with the fluid source mains (6), however, for the currentlypreferred embodiment, access product (12) is a fire hydrant and fluidsource mains (6) is a water line. Such hydrant is preferably designed toAWWA standards and constructed from industry approved materialsincluding high-density polyethylene (HDPE) SDR 11.

As best seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the flex module input (32) ismechanically associated with the stand pipe module output (44) viacoupling system (27, FIG. 3) thereby placing the flex module (34) andthe hydrant (12) in fluid communication with the fluid source. Examplesof suitable coupling systems include a pair of flanges and a pluralityof bolts used to secure and flanges with each other to define a watertight association.

At least one of the flange system (26) and flange system (27) define ahydrant breakaway feature so that the coupling system fails when hydrant(12) sustains an impact exceeding a predefined force—called the hydrantbreakaway force (which is preferably less than the force needed tosignificantly damage the hydrant). One method of providing a breakawayfeature is to use special bolts (e.g. hollow bolts) to mechanicallyassociate the two flanges where such bolts are configured to fail at aforce lower than what is needed to significantly damage hydrant (12).For the preferred embodiment, depicted in FIG. 3, the coupling system(27) that mechanically associates the flex module input (32) with thefirst stand pipe module output (44) defines a hydrant breakaway feature.

The flex module (30) may further comprise an adjustment-element (36,FIG. 2) configured to set a flex module output angle (38, FIG. 2) asdescribe in more detail later.

As best seen in FIG. 3, hydrant system (10) further comprises anadjustable rod coupler (52) defining a universal joint (54). Preferably,the universal joint (54) is defined along the adjustable rod coupler(52) at a location that places the universal joint (54) at leastpartially inside flex module (30). The adjustable rod coupler (52)extends through the approximate center of the hydrant system (10), froma turn on nut (18) defined by hydrant (12), through the flex module(30), and at least partially through the stand pipe module (40) to avalve (56) configured to selectively allow and prevent fluid flowbetween the fluid source and the hydrant (12).

Rod Coupler

Rod coupler (52) is now examined in more detail. The universal joint(54) is preferably defined along rod coupler (52) so that the universaljoint is disposed at least partially inside flex module (30). Theuniversal joint may be any suitable type of universal joint technologythat will allow flex module (30) to pivot (as described later) withoutsignificant damage to the rod coupler or universal joint. Generallyspeaking, a universal joint (54) is a joint or coupling along rodcoupler (52) that allows the rod to “bend” in any direction and thattransmits rotary motion.

While flex module (30) is configured to pivot when a relatively lowimpact force is applied to hydrant (12), higher impact forces willeventually exceed the pivot capabilities of the flex module and causethe breakaway features (coupling system) to fail. When such occurs,breakaway rod interface (58) is configured to fail to prevent/minimizefurther damage to the rod coupler (52). Preferably, the portion of therod coupler closest to the coupling system that defines the breakawayfeature should define a breakaway rod interface location. For thecurrently preferred embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the coupling system(27) defines the breakaway feature, and thus, the rod coupler sectionclosest to the stand pipe module output (44) preferably defines abreakaway rod interface (58). Such a configuration will allow for easieraccess to repair the rod coupler (52) should the hydrant be subjected toa force that activates the system's breakaway features.

For one embodiment, at least a portion of rod coupler (52) isadjustable. For such embodiment, the rod coupler portion that extendsthrough stand pipe module (40) is preferably itself adjustable. Oneexample of an adjustable rod coupler (52) is a telescoping rod whereadjustable rod coupler (52) comprises a first hollow rod section thatdefines a larger inner perimeter than the outer perimeter of a secondrod section, so the second rod section can slide in and out of the firstrod section to change the length of the rod coupler. For such a rodconfiguration, a breakaway rod interface may not be necessary as the tworod sections can simply separate without damage. Yet another alternativeembodiment is to use threaded rod sections where one rod section screwsin and out of the other rod section to changes the rods overall length.

Flex Module

As best seen in FIG. 2b , FIG. 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, attention is nowdirected more particularly to embodiments of the flex module (30). Flexmodule (30) can generally be described as an adjustable coupler assemblyfor connecting a hydrant (12) to a stand pipe module (40). As depictedin FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, one exemplary embodiment of a Flex Module (30)comprises a ball joint module (60). The ball joint module (60) defines aball joint input (62) and a ball joint output (64). The ball jointoutput (64) is configured for being mechanically associated with ahydrant (12, FIG. 6) via a first ball joint coupling (66) and whereasball joint input (62) is configured for being mechanically associatedwith a stand pipe module (40) via a second ball joint coupling (68). Forthe preferred embodiment, at least one of said first ball joint coupling(66) and said second coupling (68) define a breakaway feature where thecoupling fails when a predefined hydrant-breakaway-pressure is exertedon the coupling. Ideally, the hydrant-breakaway-pressure is less thanthe force needed to cause structural damage (i.e. “significant damage”)to the hydrant (12).

The Flex module (30) output coupling assembly that connects the flexmodule to the hydrant is preferably switchable so that any one of apolarity of coupling types can be associated with the flex module (30)as each hydrant manufacturer generally has their specific type ofhydrant coupling configuration. Thus, for one configuration the Flexmodule (30) comes with a plurality on inter changeable flex modulecoupling types with each coupling type being compatible with aparticular hydrant type. The same feature could also be used for theflex module (30) input couplings although the stand pipe outputcouplings are anticipated to be a standard type especially for standpipe modules supplied with the system.

Please note that in this document “significant damage” simply meansdamage to an item that either (1) makes it more cost effective toreplace the item than repair the item, and (2) makes it necessary torepair the item before it is reused. For example, a hydrant could stillbe used, without repair, after sustaining cosmetic type damage whereas“structural damage or significant damage” to the hydrant would requirethe hydrant to be scrapped or repaired before being reused.

As best seen in FIG. 5, for one preferred embodiment, flex module (30)comprises ball element (70) configured for being inserted into socketelement (72). Ball element (70) is retain within socket element (72) byclamping element (74). An optional retaining ring (76), preferably madeof a metal (such as stainless steel), can also be used to help retainball element (70) within socket element (72). Embodiments of retainingring (76) include circlips and binder rings and similar devices. Forsuch embodiment, socket element (72) preferably defines a ring receiver(80) configured for receiving the retaining ring (76). For oneembodiment, the retaining ring (76) is configured to fail under apredefined load to provide the previously described “breakaway”function. Such retaining ring breakaway feature can be use instead of abreakaway flange or in addition to a breakaway flange.

The socket element (72) is further configured to receive a sealingelement (78) to provide a watertight association between ball element(70) and socket element (72). FIG. 6 shows a partial exploded view ofsuch a ball joint module (60) associated with an access product (12).

As depicted in FIG. 7B, alternative embodiments for flex module (30)include replacing the ball joint with a rubber expansion joint (61), todefine a flex module (30 b). Flex module (30 b) can be made from anysuitable elastomer material such as the ones manufactured by Flexicraftwith the additions of first flex joint coupling (66 b) configured forbeing associated with a fire hydrant input as described above and secondflex joint coupling (68 b) configured for being associated with astandpipe and adjustment elements (36). Similarly, expansion Joints madefrom metals may also be used such as modified version of the expansionjoints manufactured by Triad Bellows.

Adjustment Element

For some installations, the user may desire to set/select the angle theaccess product (12) makes with some other reference point. For example,one may simply desire to make a hydrant (12) “plumb” (vertical orperpendicular) with a support surface such as ground level (floor,sidewalk, etc.). Notably, for prior art systems, if the stand pipeassembly is not “plumb”, the prior art system's hydrant will not beplumb as there is no adjustment mechanism. Further, if the referencepoint is not “plumb” (e.g. slants), an installer may also wish for thehydrant (12) to “slant” the same amount. Regardless, for whateverreason, a user may wish to set the flex module output angle.

For this document, the “output angle” is the angle formed by the flexmodule input (32) relative to the flex module output (34) which can bedetermined by examining the first ball joint coupling (66) and secondball joint coupling (68). If the two coupling flanges are parallel, theoutput angle is zero. If the two flanges are not parallel, the angleformed by such two references lines is the output angle.

For the currently preferred embodiment, the flex module (30) defines anadjustment-element (36) feature for setting the module's output angle(38, FIG. 2). In FIG. 2, for example, the adjustment-element (36)comprises set screws or set pins and the input and output flanges shownin FIG. 2 are in parallel providing an output angle of zero. Such setscrews maintain the desired angle until a predefine force is exceeded asexplained later.

As depicted in FIG. 7, for one exemplary embodiment of flex module (30),the adjustment-element is defined by set screws (36). Set screws (36)screw into and extends perpendicularly from the second ball jointcoupling (68) and push against the first ball joint coupling (66). Theoutput angle is adjusted by changing the distance in which set screws(36) screw into the second ball joint coupling (68). One of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that the same functionality can beachieved by screwing the set screws (36) into the first ball jointcoupling (66) instead of the second ball joint coupling (68).

For embodiments where the adjustor-element (36) comprise set screws orpins, ideally such set screws or pins are configured to fail at a forcelower than the force needed to activate the system's breakaway featuresto allow the flex module to flex/move/pivot at low energy impacts sothat only the set screws/pins are damaged. For one alternativeembodiment, instead of set screws, a resilient element, such as a coilspring (31, FIG. 2B), is used. Such coil spring (31) would extend aroundthe outside of the ball element (70) and the socket element (72) and isdisposed between the first ball joint coupling and the second ball jointcoupling. Such resilient element would have sufficient strength tomaintain a predefined output angle (such as zero). Alternatively, a coldSpring (31) would be disposed inside the ball joint coupling to providethe same functionality as depicted in FIG. 2B.

For yet alternative embodiment, clamping element (74) provides theadjustment feature. For such currently preferred embodiment, beforesecuring the ball element (70) to the socket element (72) with clampingelement (74), the output angle is set as desired and then clampingelement (74) is engaged to firmly secure the ball element (70) with thesocket element (72) where the clamping force is sufficient to maintainthe set flex module output angle (38). Further, such clamping force ispreferably low enough to allow the flex module (30) to flex/move/pivotat low energy impacts without activating the systems breakaway features.That said, when the flex module (30) has flexed/moved/pivoted to itsmaximum flex point, the system's breakaway elements fail to minimizedamage to the hydrant (12) and/or stand pipe module (40). For thepreferred embodiment, flex module (30) can provide about 15 to 20 inchesof flex/movement/pivoting.

Stand Pipe Module

Attention is now directed more particularly to the stand pipe module(40). As noted above for FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, exemplary hydrant system(10) comprises a telescoping stand pipe module (40) comprising a firststand pipe element (42) defining a first stand pipe module end thatdefines stand pipe module output (44) and an opposing second stand pipeelement (46) defining an opposing second stand pipe module end thatdefines stand pipe module input (48). For such configuration, the firststand pipe element (42) defines an inner diameter that is bigger thanthe outer diameter of the second stand pipe element (46) so that thesecond stand pipe element (46) may be inserted into (or slide into) thefirst stand pipe element (42) thereby defining said telescopingfunction/configuration.

As best seen in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, for one embodiment, stand pipe module(40) comprises a first stand pipe element (42) mechanically associatedwith a second stand pipe element (46) to define a movable relationship.As before, the first stand pipe element (42) defines an inner diameterthat is bigger than the outer diameter of the second stand pipe element(46) so that the second stand pipe element (46) may be inserted into (orslide into) the first stand pipe element (42) thereby defining saidtelescoping function/configuration. For the current embodiment, however,a portion of the first stand pipe element (42) and a portion of thesecond stand pipe element (46) are each configured with at least onepair of stand pipe interfaces (90 a) and a stand pipe interface (90 b)suitably configured for receiving at least one external stand pipelength adjuster (47) which may define a telescopic feature similar tothe stand pipes. Stand pipe length adjuster (47) also inherentlyprovides joint restraint features that prevents/resists movement betweenthe first stand pipe element (42) and the second stand pipe element(46). For the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, such stand pipelength adjuster (47) comprises two external thread rods. At least one ofthe stand pipe interfaces (90) define a threaded interface (90 a)configured to receive threaded rod (47) so that rotating the threadedrod (47) or rotating the stand pipe interface (90 a) causes the secondstand pipe element (46) to slide in or out of the second stand pipeelement (42) (depending on the direction of rotation) thereby changingthe overall length of stand pipe module (40).

Stand pipe interface (90) may also define a non-threaded interface (90b) configured to simply retain one end of thread rod (47) so that suchrod simply rotates within such interface (90 b). Preferably the top ofthread rod (47) defines a drive interface (92) configured for beingassociated with drive element of a tool that is used to rotate threadedrod (47). For the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9, drive interface (92) isconfigured for being associated with a typical socket. For example, asocket associated with an electric drill could be used to rotatethreaded rod (47). There are many embodiment of drive interface (92)that may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of theinvention.

Still referring to FIG. 9, a sealing flange (94) is used at the end ofthe first stand pipe element where the second stand pipe element insetsinto the first stand pipe element. Such stand pipe sealing element issimilar to the sealing element (78) used to seal the ball joint module(60). One suitable sealing element is a mechanical joint comprising aseal. A Mechanical Joint (MJ) Coupled Joint offers a method of providingjoint restraint with a standard mechanical joint socket of a pipe,fitting, valve or other product. The joint material consists of astandard mechanical joint gasket and a standard ductile iron jointgland.

The stand pipe module output (44) is mechanically associated with eithera flex module (30) or a hydrant coupling system (26). For stand pipemodules (40) to be connected directly to a hydrant coupling system (26),the stand pipe module output (44) coupling is preferably configured toreceive interchangeable flanges so that a plurality of stand pipe outputcouplings can be provided with each stand pipe flange type beingconfigured to fit a particular manufacturer's hydrant coupling system(26).

Similarly, the “boot”/fluid source (24) coupling is also specific to thehydrant being associate with the boot via a stand pipe system. Thus, thestand pipe module input (48) is preferably mechanically associated withthe fluid source coupler (24) with an interchangeable flange system.Such flange system comprises at least two flange types where the flangesare configured to be swapped out depending on the type of flange needed.Thus, for one configuration the stand pipe module (40) comes with aplurality on interchangeable input flanges and a plurality ofinterchangeable output flanges.

Referring now more particularly to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, anotheralternative embodiment of the invention is presented. The currentlypreferred coupling system is configured for connecting a water-product,such as a fire hydrant, to a fluid source, such as a utility watermains. A first stand pipe element 42 is provided comprising a firsthollow conduit defining a first diameter and further defining a standpipe output 44 at one end of said first hollow conduit and an opposingfirst stand pipe end 43 at a distal end of said first hollow conduit andwherein said stand pipe output is configured for engagement with afluid-product 10. A second stand pipe element 46 is provided comprisinga second hollow conduit defining a second diameter and further defininga stand pipe input 48 at one end of the second hollow conduit and anopposing second stand pipe end 45 at a distal end of the second hollowconduit. The stand pipe input is configured for engagement with a fluidsource 6 (FIG. 1). Such engagement is typically accomplished via a bootas described above. The first standpipe element 42 is movablymechanically associated with and in alignment with said second standpipe element 46 to define an adjustable stand pipe defining a fluid flowpath between said stand pipe input 48 and said stand pipe output 44 toallow the distance from the stand pipe input 48 to said stand pipeoutput to be varied. Such variation is preferably from about (+/−10%)three feet to at least six feet and preferably less than 10 feet.

A sealing device/element 78 configured to define a fluid tight sealbetween the first stand pipe element 42 and the second stand pipeelement 46 is associated with the first stand pipe end 43 for theembodiment where the first diameter is larger than the second embodimentand the second stand pipe element 46 slides in and out of said firststand pipe element 42. When the second diameter is larger than the firstdiameter and the first stand pipe element slides into and out of saidsecond stand pipe element, the sealing device 78 is associated with thesecond stand pipe end 45. A joint restraint 47 is provided wherein saidjoint restraint defines at least one of (a) a fixed joint restraint and(b) an adjustable joint restraint configured for resisting movementbetween said first stand pipe element 42 and said second stand pipeelement 46. As depicted in FIG. 10, the joint restraint 47 is anadjustable joint restraint defining a telescoping mechanicalassociation. For one embodiment, the adjustable joint restraintcomprises a first restraint element 100 associated with said first standpipe element 42 and a second restraint element 102 associated with saidsecond stand pipe element 46 to define a telescoping association thatcan be secured at one of a plurality of anchor points 104 by a restraintlock 106 thereby providing a resistance to movement between the firststand pipe module and said second stand pipe module. Suitable restraintlocks include pins and bolts and suitable anchor points include holes.

Referring now to FIG. 11, an alternative embodiment of a fixed jointrestraint is presented. Fixed joint restraint defines a first restraintelement 110 associated with an outer surface of the first stand pipeelement 42 and a second restraint element 112 associated with the outersurface of the second stand pipe element 46 so that said mechanicaljoint (sealing element 78) is disposed there between. The firstrestraint element 110 is mechanically associated with the secondrestraint element 112 to provide a resistance to movement between thefirst stand pipe element 42 and the second stand pipe element 46.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one ofordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be thebest mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand andappreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents ofthe specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The inventionshould therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment,method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within thescope and spirit of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A coupling system configured for connecting awater-product to a fluid source, said coupling system comprising: afirst stand pipe element comprising a first hollow conduit defining afirst diameter and further defining a stand pipe output at one end ofsaid first hollow conduit and an opposing first stand pipe end at adistal end of said first hollow conduit and wherein said stand pipeoutput is configured for engagement with a fluid-product; a second standpipe element comprising a second hollow conduit defining a seconddiameter and further defining a stand pipe input at one end of saidsecond hollow conduit and an opposing second stand pipe end at a distalend of said second hollow conduit and wherein said stand pipe input isconfigured for engagement with a fluid source; wherein said firststandpipe element is movably mechanically associated with and inalignment with said second stand pipe element to define an adjustablestand pipe defining a fluid flow path between said stand pipe input andsaid stand pipe output and allowing the distance from said stand pipeinput to said stand pipe output to be varied; a sealing deviceconfigured to define a fluid tight seal between said first stand pipeelement and said second stand pipe element; and at least one jointrestraint defining at least one of (a) a fixed joint restraint and (b)an adjustable joint restraint configured for resisting movement betweensaid first stand pipe element and said second stand pipe element.
 2. Acoupling system as in claim 1, wherein said water-product is a firehydrant and wherein said fluid source is a water mains.
 3. A couplingsystem as in claim 1, wherein the first diameter larger than the seconddiameter allowing the second stand pipe element to slide in and out ofthe first stand pipe element there by defining a telescopic movablerelationship.
 4. A coupling system as in claim 3, wherein said sealingdevice is a mechanical joint comprising a seal.
 5. A coupling system asin claim 4, wherein said joint restraint is a fixed joint restraintdefining a mechanical joint restraint.
 6. A coupling system as in claim5, wherein said mechanical joint restraint contains a first restraintelement associated with said first stand pipe element and a secondrestraint element associated with said second stand pipe element andwherein said first restraint element is mechanically associated withsaid second restraint element to provide a resistance to movementbetween said first stand pipe element and said second stand pipeelement.
 7. A coupling system as in claim 4, wherein said jointrestraint is an adjustable joint restraint.
 8. A coupling system as inclaim 7, wherein said adjustable joint restraint defines at least onethreaded rod.
 9. A coupling system as in claim 8, wherein the overalllength of said first stand pipe element coupled to said second standpipe element can be varies by at least 30%.
 10. A coupling system as inclaim 7, mechanical joint restraint contains a first restraint elementmechanically associated with said first stand pipe element and a secondrestraint element mechanically associated with said second stand pipeelement to define a telescoping association that can be secured at oneof a plurality of anchor points thereby providing a resistance tomovement between the first stand pipe module and said second stand pipemodule.
 11. A coupling system as in claim 10, wherein said plurality ofanchor points are spaced at least two inches apart and allow for varyingthe distance from said stand pipe input to said stand pipe output fromabout 3.5 feet to at least 5.5 feet
 12. An adjustable stand pipe moduleconfigured for adjustably connecting a fire hydrant to a fluid source,said adjustable stand pipe module comprising: a first stand pipe elementcomprising a first hollow conduit defining a first diameter and furtherdefining a stand pipe output at one end of said first hollow conduit andan opposing first stand pipe end at a distal end of said first hollowconduit and wherein said stand pipe output is configured for engagementwith a fire hydrant comprising an operating nut; a second stand pipeelement comprising a second hollow conduit defining a second diameterand further defining a stand pipe input at one end of said second hollowconduit and an opposing second stand pipe end at a distal end of saidsecond hollow conduit and wherein said stand pipe input is configuredfor engagement with a coupling associated with a water mains whereinsaid coupling comprises a valve; wherein side first standpipe element ismovably mechanically associated with and in alignment with said secondstand pipe element to define an adjustable stand pipe defining a fluidflow path between said stand pipe input and said stand pipe output andallowing the distance from said stand pipe input to said stand pipeoutput to be varied; a telescoping rod mechanically associated with saidoperating nut at one end and said valve at the opposing end wherein saidrod runs through said fluid flow path and wherein the length of the rodchanges as the length of the distance from said stand pipe input to saidstand pipe output is varied; a sealing device configured to define afluid tight seal between said first stand pipe element and said secondstand pipe element; and at least one joint restraint defining at leastone of (a) a fixed joint restraint and (b) an adjustable joint restraintconfigured for resisting movement between said first stand pipe elementand said second stand pipe element.
 13. A coupling system as in claim12, wherein said first diameter is larger than said second diameterallowing the second stand pipe element to slide in and out of the firststand pipe element.
 14. A coupling system as in claim 13, wherein saidsealing device is a mechanical joint comprising a seal and wherein saidmechanical joint is associated with said first stand pipe end and aportion of outer surface of said second stand pipe element.
 15. Acoupling system as in claim 14, wherein said joint restraint is a fixedjoint restraint defining a first restraint element associated with anouter surface of said first stand pipe element and a second restraintelement associated with the outer surface of said second stand pipeelement so that said mechanical joint is disposed there between andwherein said first restraint element is mechanically associated withsaid second restraint element to provide a resistance to movementbetween said first stand pipe element and said second stand pipeelement.
 16. A coupling system as in claim 14, wherein said jointrestraint is an adjustable joint restraint comprising a first restraintelement associated with an outer surface of said first stand pipeelement and a second restraint element associated with the outer surfaceof said second stand pipe element so that said mechanical joint isdisposed there between and wherein said first restraint element definesa telescopic mechanical association with said second restraint elementthat can be secured at one of a plurality of anchor points therebyproviding a resistance to movement between the first stand pipe elementand said second stand pipe element.
 17. A coupling system as in claim12, wherein said first diameter is smaller than said second diameterallowing the first stand pipe element to slide in and out of the secondstand pipe element.
 18. A coupling system as in claim 17, wherein saidsealing device is a mechanical joint comprising a seal and wherein saidmechanical joint is associated with said second stand pipe end and aportion of outer surface of said first stand pipe element.
 19. Acoupling system as in claim 18, wherein said joint restraint is a fixedjoint restraint defining a first restraint element associated with anouter surface of said first stand pipe element and a second restraintelement associated with the outer surface of said second stand pipeelement so that said mechanical joint is disposed there between andwherein said first restraint element is mechanically associated withsaid second restraint element to provide a resistance to movementbetween said first stand pipe element and said second stand pipeelement.
 20. A coupling system as in claim 18, wherein said jointrestraint is an adjustable joint restraint comprising a first restraintelement associated with an outer surface of said first stand pipeelement and a second restraint element associated with the outer surfaceof said second stand pipe element so that said mechanical joint isdisposed there between and wherein said first restraint element definesa telescopic mechanical association with said second restraint elementthat can be secured at one of a plurality of anchor points therebyproviding a resistance to movement between the first stand pipe elementand said second stand pipe element.